Geraldine "Geri" Faye Marchant
Geraldine (Geri) Faye Big Crow Marchant was born in Pine Ridge, South Dakota on April 4, 1946 to James Big Crow and Marcella Mills. Geri passed away on December 7, 2018 at Rapid City Regional Hospital Rapid City South Dakota of complications of CREST Syndrome that included Raynauds and Scleroderma.
Geri met Anthony ‘Tony’ Marchant during her life with the Merrills’. They were married on February 6, 1962 at Hot Springs SD, later divorcing. Geri had a long and eventful life. She loved the rodeo life beginning with following the Merrill’s to later in life following her grand children as they went on the rodeo trail also. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother always supporting and encouraging her kids and grandkids. Geri could be found at rodeos and school sporting events supporting her family. She was very involved in the pageant Legend of the Rawhide in Lusk Wy for many years. She also served on the search and rescue in Lusk. In her later years she moved to Sundance Wy and then to Spearfish to be closer to family and doctors. Geri never knew a stranger and was always one who would help in any way she could with a smile on her face and cheery attitude. It was very rare for her to say an unkind word about anyone, always looking for good in people.
Geraldine is survived by her sons, Mike (Chris) Marchant, Casper WY, Jacy (Dilly) Marchant, Newcastle Wy, Charles Marchant, Sun City CA. Daughters Brenda Sewell, Newcastle WY, Paula Brown, (Joe Gantz), Alva WY. brothers, Robert Big Crow of Bridgeport, NE, James, Tim, Ray, and Duane Big Crow, all of Pine Ridge, SD, and Ben Big Crow of Porcupine, SD; sisters, Joyce Brewer of Pine Ridge, SD, Elizabeth Little of Oglala, SD, Ruth Pourier, Rita Big Crow, and Ollie Big Crow, all of Pine Ridge, SD, Diane Painte of North Dakota, Bessie Dreamer of Pine Ridge, SD, Erma Big Crow of Rapid City, SD and Brenda Zimiga of Pine Ridge, SD; adopted family Patti Olic, Scenic SD, Mike Merrill, Chicago IL, Shawn(Leslie) Merrill, Wall SD, Donnie (Mae) Merrill, Hot Springs SD, Ducky Harris, Piedmont SD, grandchildren, Brandy (Brian) Carpenter, Pierce Co, Misty(Keeler) Harrington, Newcastle WY, Elissa (Joe) Neimeyer, Jami Brown, Sundance WY, Jodi Gantz, Alva WY, Ashley (Hayden) Spencer, New York City, NY, Taylor(Moses) McBride, Woodbury, MN, Ashton Marchant and Teigen Marchant, Newcastle WY. And twelve great- grandchildren.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, James Big Crow and Marcella Mills; twin brother Gerald “Jump” Big Crow, brother, Walt Big Crow; sister, Theresa Big Crow-Black Bull; Foster parents, Halley and Eletta Merrill, brother, Charles “Bud” Merrill, sister Twila Merrill, nephews, Charles H., and Raymond F. Merrill, son in laws, David Townsend and Kelly Brown.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for July 13th at 4:00pm - 5:00 pm at Memorial Park in Rapid City SD south of the Civic Center and Holiday Inn.